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Rangers unable to solve Yanks' bullpen

Rangers unable to solve Yanks' bullpen

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ARLINGTON -- Part of what happened on Friday night at Rangers Ballpark was an extension of what happened to the Rangers against the Yankees in previous playoff encounters.

The Rangers have never been able to score late against the Yankees in the playoffs, struggling to get to their bullpen. The Rangers, after scoring five runs in four innings against CC Sabathia, were shut out over the final five innings against relievers Joba Chamberlain, Dustin Moseley, Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera. Moseley pitched two scoreless innings.

"Moseley was the guy," manager Ron Washington said. "He came in there throwing a cut fastball, a different look, and pounded the strike zone."

On Saturday, it was more of the same, as Texas tagged Phil Hughes for seven runs in four-plus innings but came up empty against Chamberlain, David Robertson, Boone Logan and Sergio Mitre over the final four frames in a 7-2 win.

In 12 playoff games, dating to 1996, the Rangers have now scored just two runs -- one earned -- while tallying 37 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings against the Yankees' bullpen. They have scored just three runs against the Yankees after the fourth inning and none after the sixth inning.

Mariano Rivera has now made eight relief appearances against the Rangers. In 12 scoreless innings, he has allowed three hits and two walks while striking out seven. The Rangers are hitting .081 against Rivera in the playoffs.